2003 Topps Football Forum

How do you distinguish the "collection" cards from the base cards?

I assume you mean these cards https://www.tcdb.com/Checklist.cfm/sid/359490/2023-Topps---Collector's-Box-Companion-Cards

If you look on the back, near the number is a “home plate” box with the words “Collector’s Box” in it. 

Ah, OP wrote 2003, not 2023. My guess is that he's referring to:

2003 Topps - Topps Collection Football Checklist | Trading Card Database (tcdb.com)

Assuming you meant 2003, base has gold foil stamping, while Collection has silver

Thanks, that’s what happens when old eyes try to read on my phone.

Would have helped if the thread was created under the set itself originally instead of Ed moving it over later. Or more detail in the request itself. I just happened to know that Topps FB FS around that time was Collections, normally stamped as such like HTA in baseball.